Florida expands EBT restrictions: Tattoos, theme parks, vaping among banned purchases
Florida Gov. DeSantis adds bans on using EBT benefits for tattoos, theme parks, vaping and other non-essential items.Summary
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state will amend its TANF plan to bar Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cardholders from using benefits on a wide range of non-essential items, including tattoos, theme park tickets, vaping and tobacco products, drugs, adult content, video games, entertainment tickets, tanning services, and fortune-telling. The measure, the first of its kind nationally, aims to ensure assistance targets basic needs and reduces waste or fraud. The amendment will be submitted to the Trump administration for approval and will be implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families in partnership with retailers and federal agencies. Eligibility and benefit amounts remain unchanged; families can still purchase food, medicine, clothing and other essentials. The policy is linked to workforce programs that aim to move recipients toward self-sufficiency, with officials noting past success in placing thousands in jobs.
(Source：News4jax)
